Announcing machine and system



June 9, 1942. .1. 1... FRANKLIN ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM Filed Feb. 28, 1941 ll Sheets-Sheet 1 Q o o o o 2. o o o 0 ww \N i H 0 m 1 \II .11 e \1 Wk 4 o Q .a W 2 j QR June 9, 1942. J. 1.. FRANKLIN ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM Filed Feb. 28, 1941 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 June 9, 1942.

J. L. FRANKLIN 2,285,425

ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM Filed Feb. 28, 1941 ll SheetsSheet 3 Y wmurmm June 9, 1942. J. L. FRANKLIN ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 28, 1941 J1me 1942- J. FRANKLIN 2235,4253

ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM Filed Feb. 28, 1941 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 &

[/3/71WLW7) h. 3 PM R MN WAN y M mm IIIIIIIIII II IIIHH M \QQN June 9, 1942. FRANKUN 2,285,425

ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM Filed Feb. 28, 1941 ll Sheets-Sheet 6 June 9, 1942. J. L. FRANKLIN ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM Filed Feb. 28, 1941 ll Sheets-Sheet 7 Slum/ June 9, 1942. J. FRANKLIN ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM 1941 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 28

i. tor/amp June 9, 1942. J. FRANKLIN ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM Filed Feb. 28, 1941 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 June 9, 1942'. J. L; FRANKLIN ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM 11 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Feb. 28, 1941 w? N2 WERE June 1942. J. L. FRANKLIN 2,235,425

ANNOUNCING MACHINE AND SYSTEM Filed Feb. 28, 1941 lISheets-Sheet 11 Patented June 9, 1942 I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE mhouuomd 1 :23:1 m srs'rmu John 1.. Franklin, Atlanta, Ga. Application February 28, 1941, Serial No. 381,203

Claims.

The invention relates to announcing machines and systems and has as an object the provision of a machine for making announcements particularly adapted for use in connection with a telephone-system, and has as an additional object the provision of a system of electrical circuits for control of the machine.

It is a further object of the invention to improve in important particulars upon the machines and systems shown in my Patents No. 2,011,216, August 13, 1935 (Reissue No. 21,111, June 13, 1939), and No. 2,207,855, July 16, 1940.

Further objects of the invention are to provide a machine in which the cylinders bearing the announcement records are axially stationary an the activating lights are movable.

It is a' further object of the invention to provide a machine of this character which will run continuously as distinguished from running only when started by a telephone call, where the system is used in combination with a telephone system. and in which the exciter lamps are energized -'o'nly when announcement is to be made.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a machine and system of this character embodying a combination between a delayed action cutoff; device of a novel character for the purposeof' shifting circuits if the operation of the deviceisimperfect.

Further objects of the invention will appear from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings showing an" illustrative embodiment of the invention, and wherein:

Figure l is a plan view of the machine of the invention;

.-Fig;-2 is an end elevation as seen from the left ofFigure l;

Fig. 3 Ba detail section on line 3-3 of Figure 4;

Fig. 14 is a vertical section corresponding to a portion of the'left hand end of Figured showing a modified form of the device for use with an additional announcing cylinder;v and Figs. 15, 15a. and 15b combined show a wiring diagram for the system of the invention, Figure 15 showing the circuits at two of the telephone sets to be utilized to answer calls, Figure 15a being an extension to the right of the circuits of Figure 15, and showing the electrical equipment of the invention and control circuits, and Figure 1511 being an extension to the right of the circuits of Figure 15a and showing the circuits of the supervisory mechanism. I

As shown the machine of the invention comprises a casing shown as rectangular in outline and with cylindrical housing elements 2! and 22 extending from opposite ends thereof,

- which cylindrical elements are shown as closed Fig. 10 is an end view of the structure shown in Figure 9;

Figs. l1, l2, and 13 are detail sections upon an enlarged scale taken on corresponding section lines of Figure 5;

by disk-like closures 23, 24 removably-secured thereto in any desired manner.

For drive of the device there is shown a motor 25 of the synchronous type whereby when connected with a system of alternating current power supply, the generator of which is corrected to an accurate number of alternations per second, as is now the-practice, the motor will operate the machine continuously with the regularity of the usual electric clock. The motor 25 drives thedevice through a coupling 26 preferably of material such as resilient rubber so as to serve the function of a universal Joint. The coupling through a shaft 2! drives a worm 2B in mesh with a worm wheel 29 operating shaft 30 and through worm 3| and worm wheel 32 actuates shaft 33 which through bevel gears 34 actuates a switch shaft 35 for operation of control switches to be described.

Shaft 80, also through gears 36, 31 in mesh with gears 38, 39 respectively, drives the announcing cylinders, causes movement of the ex-' citer lamps, and controls the shifting of the records.

To this end, as more clearly disclosed in Figure 4, the gear, is rigidly connected to a cylinder formed with cam groove 4i inwhich groove is engaged a dog 42 connected with a member 43 fixed upon and between a pair of parallel rods 44, 45, the dog 42 being oscillatively mounted therein upon anti-friction bearings as clearly disclosed in Figure 4. The rods 44 are mounted to slide in hearings in the. casing 20 and .at their ends carry cross heads 46, 41 upon which are mounted the exciter lamps 48, 49 and the optical system housings 50, 5|. The drum with the gear 39 is shown as mounted at one end in an anti-friction bearing 52 housed in a recess in the end member of the casing 28. The other end of the drum is shown as mounted in anti-friction bearings 53 upon a sleeve 54, which sleeve in turn is revoluble upon a shaft 55 having secured thereto a cylinder 56 bearing one of the announcement records to be described, which record in the case of a time announcing system is shown as the minute announcing record. Gear 38 is secured to the sleeve 54 as shown by means of a key 51 and the sleeve 54 also carries a circular cam 58 shown in rear elevation in Figure '1.

Mounted upon the disk 59 internally of the cylinder 48 is a shaft 68 carrying a spur or Geneva. gear 6| between the teeth of which the cam edge 62 of cam 58 projects.

The number of teeth in the gears 36, 31, and

t 38, 39, are so related that gear 38 will revolve either one revolution more or one revolution less per. minute, in the case of a time announcing system, than will gear 39.

In the embodiment shown, gear 38 is formed to revolve one revolution more each minute, which fact will appear from the relative diameters of the gears 38, 89 as shown in Figures 4 and 6. The result of this relation will be that the cam edge 62 will make a complete revolution relative to the gear 6| each minute.-'

A break in the cam edge 62 carries a dog 63 placed at an angle to the cam edge such that when brought into contact with the next spur in the gear 6| at the end of each revolution of the cam 58 the spur gear 6| will be advanced one spur so as to cause the cam edge 62 to perform its next revolution in the succeeding space n the gear. This movement of revolution of the spur gear 6|, through shaft 68, actuates a worm wheel 64 in mesh with a worm wheel 65 fixed upon shaft 55 to cause a partial revolution of the cylinder 56 relative to the cylinder 48.

The number of teeth in the spur gear 6| and the number of teeth in worm 64 and worm wheel 65 are so related when the invention is used in time announcing systems that each actuation of the spur or Geneva gear 6| will cause a movement of cylinder 56 t, of a revolution for a purpose to be described. Between actuations of the gear 6| by the dog 63, the spur gear is locked with cam 62 and being fast upon shaft 68 which must revolve with drum 48, the cylinders 56 and 48 must revolve together under drive of the motor 25.

Mounted in hearings in diaphragm 66 internally of cylinder 48 is sleeve 61, carrying cam 68, in all respects similar to cam 58, mounted to revolve within the sleeve 61, and in bearings 69 mounted in a recess in the end of the cylinder 48 is shaft 18.

Mounted in brackets 1|, 12 carried by the cylinder 48 is a shaft 13 carrying a spur or Geneva gear 14 between the teeth of which the cam edge 15 of cam 68 revolves, which cam edge 15 is provided with a dog 16. The sleeve 61 is a continuation of the shaft 55 and therefore each partial revolution of the shaft 55 caused by the dog 63 will provide a like portion of revolution of the cam 15 and the dog 16. Therefore cylinder 56 and shaft 55 which turn V of a revolution each minute, in the case of a time announcing system, will cause cam 15 to revolve once each hour and thereby actuate spur gear 14 through a distance of one spur each hour. The resultant movement of shaft 13 through worm wheel 11 and worm 18 will cause a partial revolution of the shaft 18 which bears a cylinder 19 shown as the hour record bearing cylinder when the device is utilized as a time announcing system. The cylinder 19 in like manner as cylinder 56 is locked for revolution with cylinder 48 except as modified by the action of the Geneva gear 14.

Spirally mounted upon the cylinders 56 and 19 and upon transparent portions 88 and 8| thereof are photo sound records 82, 83, there being sixty record strips 82 and twelve record strips 83 terminating at the ends of the cylinders at appropriately spaced distances and A of the circumference of the cylinders respectively. It results from this arrangement that the revolution of these cylinders will bring new records directly under the optical systems 58, 5| respectively at each shift of the cylinders 56 and 19 relative to the cylinder 48.

The cam groove 4| which actuates the rods 44, 45 carrying the exciter lamps and optical systemsis so timed by the grooves 4| as to move longitudinally in registry with the lead of the spirals of the records 83, 82 so that during the travel from the position of Figure 4 to the left a certain hour record will be scanned, the exciter lamp 49 being energized and the lamp 48 being dark. After the stroke to the left the excitation of the lamps 49, 48 is reversed and upon the return movement the optical system 58 will scan the appropriate minute record to the return end of its stroke and the gearing is so arranged that the shift of the minute record or of the minute and hour record will occur only at the starting end of the carriage for an announcement and this said shift cannot interfere with the continuous giving of the announcement.

To set the mechanism correctly as to time there is shown, a releasable clutch more clearly shown in Figures 9 and 10 wherein the gear 36 is mounted loosely upon shaft 38 through the medium of a sleeve 84 and is connected to the shaft 38 by means of a disk 85 driven by a pin 86 slidable in a slot 81 formed in the enlargement 88 of the shaft 38. The pin 86 passes through a rod 89 carrying a head 98 shown in Figure 5, and the disk 85 has a series of holes 9| as clearly shown in Figure 10. By moving the disk 85 to the position shown in Figure 9 the holes are free of drive pin 92, shown as four in number, and by revolution of the head 98 the shaft 38 may be revolved relative to the gear 36 so as to cause a relative rotation between gears 36 and 31 whereby to time the device.

To time the hour record relative to the minute record, there is shown a sleeve 93 having a series of openings 94 receiving pins 95 carried by the cylinder 19, the parts being retained in relative position by means of a screw 96. The cover 24 may be removed, the screw 96 taken out and the cylinder 19 may be adjusted relative to the shaft 18.

The light from exciter lamps 49, 48 through optical systems 5|, 58 respectively, passing through the photo sound records falls upon photo electric cells 98, 91 respectively shown as mounted in brackets carried by the ends of the rectangular portion of the casing 28 and projecting to the interior of the cylinders directly beneath the transparent portions 8|, 88 thereof.

To control the exciter lamps and other circuit connections to be described, the shaft 35 is shown as carrying a plurality of switch cams 99 a detail of which is illustrated in Figure 11, the cams through pivoted arms I88 actuating suitable switch plungers I3 ll-cum to he described.

essence I to close and open In the form of the invention shown in 14 there is provision for announcement of frac dept supervisory switch I, which is normally closed. Momentary actuation of switch I23 a connection through the relay contacts site the telephone sets and in so doing places a guild-up circuit upon a relay therein. Actuation oi switches I2I and 122 which remain closed, each for short periods oi time, will give the hour record announcement and the minute record announcement, the hour record usually operating pinion I0I fast upon the shaft I09 which through pinion I09 actuates a Geneva gear II. which in. turn intermittently actuates a mutilated gear. III fast upon the hollow end of shaft II2 to which is secured the record cylinder H3 bearing the fractional minute announcement records. The record cylinder H3 rotates continuously with record cylinder and cam. drum 40 in precisely the same manner as in the first form of the invention, with which also rotates the record cylinder I9, not shown in Figure 14 but fast upon shaft 10.

The relative rotation of cam disk 99 caused by gear 30 relative to gear 39 will cause a continuous rotation of Geneva gear IIO relative to the system of cylinders, which Geneva gear will thus cause an intermittent relative rotation of record cylinder II3, that is, relative to the remainder of the rotating system. The gearing for actuation oi the shaft II2 may be designed to cause the relative rotation of cylinder II3 to be combining with the time announcement an advertising or other announcement phrase. The fourth switch tobe actuated by the machine is I24 which is closed momentarily to restore the circuits to the telephone sets to normal condition, and lastly switch I23 is actuated to .control transfer oi circuits from one machine to the other in case oi failure of signals from any cause.

'Ihe apparatus upon the control panel of Figat any fractional portion of the rotation oi record cylinder 98 but this rotation must be so related to the system as to cause the indexing of the cylinder I I3 to occur during the stroke of the optical system and therefore the speaking of the seconds of a minute by cylinder II3 would require a reciprocation of shafts 44 once each second. For this reason fractions of a minute are more practicable to be utilized than seconds, as for instance tenor fifteen second intervals.

In accordance with the invention two oi the machines above described will be used for an installation, one oi these machineswill be at all times in service and the remaining machine serving as a standby to be automatically switched into service in the event of any failure of the first-referred to machine. Both machineswill be constantly running.

There is provided a control panel carrying the relays, switches, and connections shown in Fig ure 15a, and a plurality of telephone subscriber sets connected in parallel to the circuits of Figure 15a, and thereby to the machines, two only of which are shown in Figure. 15. In a usual installation from twelve to fifteen telephone sets will be connected in the i manner shown in Figure 15. 4

The supervisory mechanismshown ma ma" 15b in addition to the vacuum tubes, to be'de-. scribed, comprise two delayed action switches-ace tuated by continuously running synchronous'mm tors. The switches shown at the top ioi Figs;

ure 15a are operated by a cam shaft u on machine above described and comprise switches I20, I20 (cut-through switches); I2I, I 2 I' incur switches); I22, I22 (minute swltches);JI 24,'I24' (cut-out switches); and I23, I23 (supervisory switches): which switches are actuatedby-the machine in the order ure 15a combines a switch A, which may .be utilized to place a decibel meter I29 into circuit with the amplifying circuits oi either machine; a switch B for control of the machine oi channel #2 in order to cut out the motor for servicing of the machine; a switch 0 for control of the exciter lamps of. the machine 2,- switches B and C being used when servicing the machine. changing the records, etc.; a switch 1) to disconnect the supervisory circuit from channel #2: a switch E whichmay be used to transfer the circuits from the machine of channel #2 to the machine of channel #1; a switch F for applying amilliameter I29 to test the condition of the vacuum tubes of the supervisory mechanism; two switches G and H for control of the motor and the exciter lamps respectively of the machine of channel #1; a switch I to release the supervisory circuits from the machine of channel #1; and a switch J for transfer of the circuits from the machine of channel #1 to the machine of ing relay I40, a line relay III, and a cut-through relay I42, with a transformer I49 and a protec-' tive unit I44 comprising a vacuum tube in series withla coil I49 in inductive relation to the transformer coil I49 in parallel with the voice current circuits to the announcing mechanism.

when a call is received over any or all of the telephone sets-, circuits will be set up which will be described only for the upper of the sets shown in Figure 15, the remaining being in parallel therewith. Ringing current over the'line wires I41 will, through condenser I49, actuate relay I40 closing a circuit from grounded battery I49 through relay I4I, armature I of operated relay I40 and wire III to ground, causing relay I to draw'up.

Actuation of relay I will close the circuit through the coil of the relay, armature I92, wire I93, armature I94 oi relay I99 and wire I9I to ground providing a hold-up circuit for relay I after the ringing current ceases. This will hold the call over the calling circuit until switch I20 of the operating channel -mechanism is closed,

. the closure of which switch will provide a circuit 79 from line wire I96 through the armature of grounded batter I65, armature I66, wire I61,

back contacts of armatures I68 of relay I36, wires I69, I6I to ground. The thus provided hold-up circuit for relay I42 will thus depend upon the back contacts of relay I36 and will be opened by energization of relay I36.

v The operation of relay I42 will connect the line wires I41 through the armatures I10, In of the relay;'with primary coil I12 of transformer I43, the secondary of which transformers is connected by wires I12, I13 through armatures I14 and I15, back contacts of relay I38, and wires I16, and I11 with amplifier I18 provided in the circuits of the photoelectric cells I19, I80 respectively.

The amplifiers I18, I18 of the two channel mechanisms are shown as connected by wires I8I and I82 with line wires I56, I60 respectively.

Following the actuation of switch I20, the switch I2I will be actuated by the machine closing a circuit from ground I83, upper coil I84 of transformer I65, wire I86, switch arm I81, wire I88, thus illuminating exciter lamp I89, the light from which passes through a photographic sound record to photoelectric cell I19 and the thus modulated current will be apparent in the line wires of the calling telephone sets.

After the announcement of the hour, switch I2I will be opened and switch I22 will be closed, closing a circuit through the lower coil I90 of transformer I85, wire I9I, switch arm I92, wire I93,

through lamp I94, to ground, thusenergizing -I42 causing said relay to be de-energized, re-

storing the telephone sets over which an announcement has just been completed to normal 1 position.

The transfer of circuits from channel #1 to channel #2-when channel #1 is providing the announcements-is controlled by switch I23 of channel #2 mechanism, through delayed action switch 202. If through failure of a signal in transformer 2I3, switch 202 closes, then closure of switch I23 will perfect a circuit from wire I56, switch I23, wire 228, switch 202, wire 229, switch 1, wire 230, coil of relay -I38 also wire 23I, coil of relay I31, thus shifting all circuits to channel #2 mechanism.

The supervisory mechanism shown diagrammatically in Figure 1517 is shown dually, each portion comprising switches 20I, 202, the first of which is normally closed and the second of which is normally open, These switches desirably be- 206 respectively, which are caused to revolve continuously by means of synchronous motors indicated diagrammatically at 201. 208. The motors 7 201, 208 being in continuous revolution will cause the face plates 203, 204 to revolve at all times when the coils 205, 206 are energized. The face plates are weighted in such a manner that if the magnetic clutches are de-energized at any time before they have rotated far enough to operate their switches, the face, plate will drop back to normal position with switches as shown on Figure 15b.

To control the activities of coils 205 and 206 there are shown for each coil a rectifying and biasing tube 209, 2I0 and a biased current control tube 2, 2I2, (the former being of a type now known as 61-16 and the latter as 2051), and transformers 2 I3, 2 I6 one for each control switch and set of tubes.

The primary of bridging transformer 2I3 is connected by wires 2, 2I5 with wires I16, I11 respectively connected with amplifier I18 associated with channel #1 mechanism. The primary of bridging transformer 2I6 is connected bywires 2I1, 2I8 with wires 2I9, 220 respectively connected with amplifier I18 associated with channel #2 mechanism.

The circuits of tubes 209, 2I0 are self-rectifying, making it possible to operate directly on low voltage alternating current from step down transformer 22I connected with line wires I56, I60. Tubes 2I I, 2I2 are of the character which allows the current drain therethrough to be at a maximum when the control grid is biased positive with respect to the cathode. When no signal is apparent from the amplifier through the primary of transformer 2 I 3, the control grid will be biased positive allowing current to flow through the tube providing a circuit from wire I60, at switch F,

Fig. 15a, wire 222, tube 2I2, wires223, 224, coils 206, wires 225, back contact of 23I, armature of relay I31 to wire I56.

To prevent chattering of the magnetic clutch coil 206 between words, by way of a shunt in this circuit, wire 225 is connected by wire 226 and resistance 221 to wire 222 and by wire 226 and condenser 221' with wire 223, energizing the magnetic clutch and causing its face plate to carry switch 202 toward closing position. The motors 201 and 208 being synchronous motors, will cause the face plates 203 and 204 to move at a definite rate when their magnetic clutches are energized and this rate together with the adjustment of the angle of the mercury switches 20I, 202 is such as to introduce a definite delay between their starting to move when no signal is apparent in transformers 2 I 3, 2 I6, and their operation by movement of the face plates. This time lag is a little in excess of the time, during each cycle, when there is normally no such signal apparent. Any substantial excess of such time with no signal apparent, due to failure of the apparatus to function normally for any reason, will cause the functioning switch to operate.

It has been shown that transformer 2 I6 is connected with amplifier I18, and 2I3 with amplifier I18, therefore the operating switches 20I or 202 will drop back by reason of a signal apparent in its bridging transformer 2I6 or 2I3 once each cycle.

With the circuits as shown, any calling telephones will receive signals over wires I12 and I13 through back contacts of armatures I14, I15 respectively of relay I38 from amplifier I18 over wires I16, I11, hence from the mechanism of channel #1. Should such signals fail, with consequent closure of switch 202, a circuit will be provided as described above depending on switch I23. The switch-I23 is normallyopen and is closed momentarily after the C. 0. switch I24 isoperated. Such closure of switch I23 will operate relays I31 and I36.

Relay I38 operated will close a circuit from line wire I56, supervisory switch I23 of channel mechanism #1, wire I95, front contact of armature I96 of relay I36, wire 230, coil of therelay to line wire I 60 providing a hold-up circuit for such relay at all time'swhile switch I23 is closed as it is normally. Also,"a circuit from wire 230, over ready toreproduce, transferring all circuits back to channel #1 mechanism.

Operation 1 r Any number 'of telephone answering sets are provided connected in parallel as shown of the two on Figure 15.;

Ringing current operates relay I4I of one of these sets providing a hold-up circuit for itself connection thereto.

wire 23 I to the coil of relay I31holding up that. v

relay.

Since the C. O. relay I36 is actuated by switch I24 before supervisory switch I23, any subscribers who may be listeningln at the time of a failure will be held in the telephone equipment relays, due to the fact that switch I24 has not had time to operate, and relay I31 being make before break, the continuity of this-circuit is held intact while being switched to switch I24 of channel #2 mechanism.- Therefore, with channel #2 mechanism operating, the necessary sequence of operation begins with closure of switch I. Operation of switch I20 energizes relay I35, cutting through any calls waiting to be answered during this transfer.

The circuit involving clutch coil 206 and backcontact of armature 231 of relay I31 has been described. A like circuit is provided from wire I56,

Exciter lamps I89, I94 are successively energized by switches. I2I I22 after whichclosure of switch I24 energizesrelay I36 to break'the' hold-up circuit completing a cycle.

front contact of armature 23 I wire 232, clutch coil 205, wires 233, 234, to tube 2", wire 235, switch F,

MA meter I26, wire I60. The meter I26 is such that coil 205 will operate the clutch with the meter in its circuit or not, due to switch F wire.

Switch 20] is normally closed and is opened upon failure of signals to appear in transformer 2I6. Normally this switch, when channel #2 mechanism is operating will maintain a circuit from wire I60, coils of relays I31 and I38; wires 23I and I91 to armature I96,wires I95, 243, switch 201, wiref 244 ,"switch D, switch E to wire I56. This circuit is in parallel with a circuit through supervisory switch I23 ofch'annel mechanism=#1.

Should mechanism #2 fall with consequent openingjo f switch 201, the relays" I31. and I38 will be held until switch I23 opens at the end of acycle when the circuits will be #1 mechanism. v v

The energy for lamps- I89, I94 of channel mechanism #1 isfrom'the-transformer as described;

transferred. channel therefore these lamps will be de-energizedat all switch-C, wires 239,240 towire I60. v Transformer 2 supplies low voltage current for indicator lamps I30 and I34. The circuit for lamp I30 is overwire I56, low voltage side of the During :this time the circuit for energy to exciter lamps I89, I94 is broken ata'front con tact of relay I31 and current for the active lamps is supplied through the corresponding back con-,

tact. Also energizing currentfor coil 205 of a supervisory switch is broken at the same contact.

While channel #1 mechanism is functioning supervisory switch 202jis starting to operate at all times when there is no signal apparent in coil' 2I3 but drops back each time such signal shows. In the eventthat such signals fail, switch 202 will close in a few seconds energizing relays I31,

- I36 to shift the signal circuits .to' channel #2 mechanism, to energize coil 236in order. to energize exciter lamps I89, I34, to shift control of 1 relays I35, I36 from ch'anne1 #l mechanism to .the primary coil 236 d erives power fromwire I60 lover wires 231, 238; switch 6, wire' 225, etc. in parallel with the circuit of clutch coil 206 and transformer, wiret242, dropping resistance 243, I

lamp I30 to wire I56. The lamp in this circuit is normally shunted'over. wires 245, 225,'and back contact of armature: 23L

When armature 23I leaves its back contact the shunt will be brokenI- ture I96,"coi1 of relay I38,-wire I60,;=releasingrelay I38 when switch I23 of channelitlmechanism is d niie n mbe yiPix e .bination: a v luralit channel ,t2-mechanisn'1 and to de en'ergize coils 236 and 206, thus putting channel #2 mechanism into full service. Y The control of shift mechanism whlle'channel #1 mechanism is operating lies iii supervisory switch I23 of channel, #2 mechanism andwhile channel #2 is functioningit lies with, switch I23 of channel #1 mechanism. f .j The motor of either machine may be stopp d by manual operation of switch G or B and circuits may be manually shifted. by actuationo! switchEor Jj.' f" Minor'changes may be made in thephysical embodiment ofthe invention within the. scope of the appended claimswithout departing from the spirit thereof.

'Iclaimr I 1. An announcing machine,- comprising, in combination: a revoluble record carrying cylin 'der; a plurality of sound records carriedby said cylinder, the initial extremities'ofsaid records in .circumferentially spaced relation jat bne' end of said cylinder;' means todrive'said cylinder;

and automatic eans nera fi ateach samp e 1 tion of a predetermined number "oi" revolutions of said cylinder/to cause "apartial I I 7 y revolution thereof in amount equal'to the 'distancefof spacing of said recordextremitiesr I fm n ti bf.c aifi i"'l hfl i ri k means such. as to cause the cylin er to revolve at on's i a nap:

tim. I

i An ann n e mach ,c mnr si a in a revoluble', record-carrying cylinders}; a plur'ality I" f sound recor as c er; thet iflt a .l,l xremi s i mechanism for the respective cylinders; means to drive said cylinders; automatic means actuated after completion of a predetermined number of revolutions of one of said cylinders to cause a partial revolution thereof in amount equal to the distance of the spacing of said record extremities; and means acting at the completion of a predetermined number of partial revolutions of said one cylinder to cause a partial revolution of a second of said cylinders a distance equal to the spacing between the extremities of the records carried thereby.

4. An announcing machine comprising, in combination: a plurality of coaxial cylinders each mounted for movement of revolution in a fixed axial position; cam means carried by one of said cylinders; sound records carried by certain of said cylinders, the initial extremities thereof terminating in circumferentially spaced relation thereon; a reciprocable carriage actuated by said cam means; sound reproducing means, at least a portion thereof carried by said carriage to coact with said records during reciprocation of the carriage; and automatic means actuated at completion of a predetermined number of camcycles to cause partial revolution of a sound record carrying cylinder a distance equal to the spacing of said record extremities.

5. An announcing machine comprising, in combination: a cam cylinder; a .;record cylinder; means to cause said cylinders to revolve in unison; said means comprising a gear wheel secured to said cam cylinder; a second gear wheel revoluble independently thereof; means to cause revolution of said gear wheels at differing rates; a plurality of sound records carried by said record cylinder, the'initial extremities of each thereof terminating in circumferentially spaced relation at an end of said cylinder; means actuated as a result of the gaining of arevolution of one of said gears relative to the other thereof to cause said record cylinder to be given a partial revolution a distance equal to the spacing of said record extremities; and means actuated by said cam cylinder to reproduce sound from the records thereon.

6. The combination of claim with a synchronous motor and means to drive the mecha nism at a definite rate of speed.

'7. An announcing machine comprising, in combination: a record cylinder having a plurality of sound records arranged spirally thereon terminating at circumferentially spaced divisions at an end thereof means to revolve said cylinder at a fixed position upon its axis; means to reciprocate pick-up light apparatus to scan said records successively; means to reciprocate said light apparatus comprising a cylinder provided with a cam groove; a pair of gears for drive of said cam cylinder, one of said gears fixed to the cylinder and the other thereof free to revolve at a different rate of speed therefrom; a star wheel revoluble with said cam cylinder; a cam means actuated by completion of a gain of one revolution of one'of said gears over the other thereof to revolve said star wheel: and means actuated by the latter to cause said record cylinder to be stepped a partial revolution to bring a successive record into alignment with said light pick-up device.

8. An announcing machine comprising, in combination: a cylinder having a cam groove in the surface thereof; a pair of record cylinders coaxial with said cam cylinder each carrying a records in circumferentially spaced relation on plurality of sound records spirally thereon terminating at an end of each at uniform circumferentially spaced positions; a gear wheel fixed to said cam cylinder for drive thereof; a Jack shaft mounted in bearings fixed to saidcam cylinder; a. gear drive for one of said record cylinders from said jack shaft; a star wheel carried by said jack shaft having separated pins; a cam ridge revoluble between said pins; a second gear wheel revoluble with said first named gear wheel at a different rate of speed; said last named gear wheel fixed with said cam ridge; means whereby completion of a revolution of said ca'm ridge relative to the cam cylinder actuates said star wheel a distance of one pin whereby to move said record cylinder a distance equal to the circumferential spacing of the records thereon; means actuated by said cam cylinder. to reciprocate lightpick-up mechanisms over said cylinders and means to step the second cylinder a partial revo lution after completion of a certain number of steps of said first-named record cylinder to present a successive record from the secondnamed record cylinder to announcing position.

9. Means to adjust a record cylinder through a partial revolution to present successive records thereon to reproducing apparatus comprising, in combination with a continuously revolving cylinder: a jack shaft revolving with the cylinder; a star wheel carried by said jack shaft; a disk presenting a cam ridge revoluble between the teeth of said star wheel; a gear revoluble with said cam cylinder at a different rate of speed therefrom; means engaging the teeth of said star wheel consecutively at completion of each relative rotation of said cam disk relative to the cam cylinder to step forward the star wheel one tooth thereof and gear means to transmit thestep movement of said jack shaft to the record cylinder. I

10. An announcing machine comprising. in combination: a cam cylinder mounted to revolve in hollow bearings; a pair of record cylinders coaxial with said cam cylinder mounted upon shafts revoluble relative to said bearings, a pair of gears one thereof fixed to said cam cylinder; means to revolve said gears continuously at different rates of speed whereby to cause one thereof to gain a revolution relative to the other thereof at each definite number of revolutions of the cam shaft; means actuated at each completion of a relative revolution between said gears to actuate one of said record cylinders a portion of a revolution and means actuated by said first named actuating means to actuate the second record cylinder a portion of a revolution upon completion of a definite movement of partial revolutions of the first named record cylinder; and means reciprocated by said cam cylinder to scan records mounted upon said record cylinders.

11. An announcing machine comprising, in combination: a cam cylinder. a pair of record cylinders mounted coaxially therewith; means to cause said cylinders to revolve normally in unison; 60 and 12 records carried by said cylinders respectively in spiral relation thereon terminating at uniform circumferentially spaced positions at the end of each; scanning means for said records reciprocated by said cam cylinder; means actuated upon completion of a definite number of revolutions of said cam cylinder to-cause a partial revolution of said 60-record cylinder and means actuated upon'completion of 60 actuations of said first named record cylinder to cause a partial revolution of said 12 record cylinder.

12. An announcing machine comprising, in combination: a casing; a drive cylinder mounted therein on-a horizontal axis; a supplemental casing secured to each end of the first namedcasing; a record cylinder in each supplemental casing mounted coaxially with said drive cylinder; a synchronous motor mounted on an axis perpendicular with the cylinder axis and offset therefrom; a horizontal shaft driven from said motor; a pair of gears coaxial with said cylinders, one thereof secured to said drive cylinder and one free thereof; means to drive said gears from said horizontal shaft at differing gear ratios; means housed in said drive cylinder driven from said free gear, acting to give one of said record cylinders a partial revolution at each'relative. revolution between said gears; and means to cause normal revolution of said drive and record cylinders in unison.

13. The combination of claim 12 with means also housed in said drive cylinder to cause a partial relative revolution of the second record cylinder at the each of' each full relative revolution between the first record cylinder and the drive sound therefrom; a gear means to cause revolu-' tion of said cylinder during such reproduction; record shifting means gear driven at a speed ratio differing from that of said cylinder drive;-

and means acting at the'end of each predetermined difference of revolution of the gear drive to cause a partial revolution of the record cylinder, to bring a successive record to active position;

15. A time announcing machine comprising, in combination: a hollow drive cylinder mounted in hollow Bearings; a minute record cylinder mounted on a shaft revolving, in one of said bearings; an hour record cylinder mounted on a shaft revolving-in ,a second one of said bearings; a gear secured to said drive cylinder; a gear secured on. a sleeve revolving on said minute record cylinder shaft; means toca'use said cylinders to revolve fullturns in unison; means to'drive said gears at different speeds, and means acting at the end of a 'ful l revolution of relative revolution between said gears to cause partial revolution of the minute cylinder.

16. A time announcing machine comprising, in combination: a drive cylinder mounted "in hollow bearings; a r'ninute-record cylinder mounted on a sleeve concentric with said bearings: a fractional-minute-record cylinder mounted on a shaftconcentric' with said sleeve; an hour-record cylinder mounted on 'a shaft concentric with a second hollow bearingof said drive cylinder; 3. drive gear secured to saiddrive cylinder; a second drive gearsecured on a sec} ond'sleeve'external to and concentric with the minute recordcarrying sleeve: a jack shaft jour nalled in brackets's'ecured in" said drive cylinder, a star wheel and apinion secured on said jack shaft; a disk secured on said second sleeve and presenting an annular ridge projecting between teeth of said star wheel; means to cause said star wheel to advance one tooth at each revolution of said ridge; means driven by said pinion to give the minute-record sleeve one-sixtieth revolution for each star wheel tooth advance; a gear secured to said disk; gear train means to cause partial revolution of said fractional-minute-record carrying shaft at definite portions of revolution of said disk; meansto cause the hour record to revolve one twelfth of a revolution at the completion of each revolution of the minute record drive sleeve; and means to drive said drive gears at speed ratios to cause a difference.

'18. A time announcing machine comprising, in

combination: a drive cylindenafractional minute record cylinder; a minuterecord cylinder; and an hour record .cylinder; said cylindersmounted for revolution on acommon axis; means to cause said cylinders to undergofull revolutionin unison for announcing operation; and meansto cause partial relative revolutionof said cylinders at the endof each of certain full revolutions thereof to cause shifting of records in announcingposition. H I i 19. An announcingsystem comprising, in combination: a continuouslyoperating announcing mechanism; switches actuated thereby in definite cycles; telephonecircuit connections; a relay responsive toringing currentover the. telephone' circuit; a relayenergized by said ringing current relay to provide a hold-up circuit for itself and a preparatory circuit closure; a circuit actuated by one of said switches to.;close a circuit through said preparatory circuit closure, toestablish a connection for announcingcurrents :to said telephone circuits; and a hold-up circuit for itself; and means actuatedby another of said switches to break. the last named hold-up cir-I 20. An announcing system comprising, in combination: a continuously operating announcing mechanism, functioning in definite cycles; telephone connectingcircuits; a switch actuated fby said mechanism-at thejbeginning of eachcycle to connect a calling telephone through" said circuits; and a second-switchoperatingat theend of each cycle to restore said circuits to normal 21. An announcing system comprising, incombination: a plurality of continuously operating announcing mechanismsfunctioning in synchronism and in definite cycles; telephone connecting circuits; .means conditioning one of said mechanisms for .announcinggservice; aswitch actuated by said mechanism'atihebeginningp1 each cycle to connect acalling telephone through said circuits;-a secondJswitch;operating,at-the end of each cycle to .,restore said circuits to normal and aswitchoperating between cycles-by an inactive announcing mechanism ;to; energize circuit shifting mechanisrnstoshift the circuits to the said inactive mechanism ,in. case offailure of said first mechanism 22. A time announcing system comprising, in combination: a continuously; operating annound ing mechanism; switches actuated thereby in definite cycles; telephone circuit connections comprising a relay responsive to ringing current, a relay controlled by the first named relay acting to insert a signal transformer into the telephone circuit; a relay actuated by one of said ing the holdup circuit therefor, said hold-up circuit controlled by a normally closed contact under control of a second relay; switches actuated by said mechanism in sequence to energize sound reproduction means and a switch operated at the end of a cycle to energize said last named relay whereby to restore the circuits to normal condition.

23. A time announcing system comprising, in combination: a pair of continuously operating announcing mechanisms operating in cycles and in synchronism; means to apply announcing sound reproduction to calling telephones; switches operated by each of said mechanisms; a relay having front and back contacts; circuits controlled by the back contacts of said relay placing the announcing circuits of one of said mechanisms in position to be connected to said telephone line; circuits controlled by the front contacts of said relay to place the: remaining mechanism in circuit with the telephone line; a switch controlled by each mechanism to call the telephone connection at the begirming of each cycle; a switch to break said telephone connection at the end of each cycle; and a switch operated between cycles to cause said relay to operate upon failure of operation of the connected mechanism whereby to shift signal connections to the remainingmechanism.

24. The system recited in claim 23 in combination with a delayed action switch connected to energize said relay upon failure of signals to occur within a definite time after the beginning of a cycle.

25. A time announcing system comprising, in combination: a pair of announcing mechanisms operating continuously and in synchronism; shiftable connections for a chosen one of said mechanisms to telephone equipment; means under control of the remaining mechanism to shift said connections; and means actuated by a time delay switch to bring said shifting means into action upon failure of signals in excess of a definite time.

26. An announcing system comprising, in combination: continuously running mechanisms; a delayed action switch corresponding to each of said mechanisms; one of saidtmechanisms normally functioning to delay announcements; means actuated by said functioning mechanism to inhibit action of said switch; and means actuated by said switch when its action is not inhibited to cause the second mechanism to function.

27. A time announcing system comprising, in combination: continuously operating time announcing mechanisms; a delayed action switch associated with each mechanism; one of said mechanisms normally functioning; means actuated by said functioning mechanism to inhibit action of said delayed action switch; means controlled by the non-functioning mechanism acting upon the operation of said switch to cause the second mechanism to function and to interchange the relation of said switches in the system.

2 8. A time announcing system comprising, in

combination: continuously acting time announcing mechanisms, one thereof normally functioning; a delayed-action switch associated with each of said mechanisms; sound reproducing means associated with each of said mechanisms; a relay controlling the circuits of said delayed action switches and of said sound reproducing means; means associated with a functioning mechanism to inhibit the action of the operating delayed action switch; means associated with the non-functioning mechanism to operate said relay when action of said switch is not inhibited withina predetermined time, whereby to shift the circuits of the sound signal-producing means and of the delayed-action switch control between said mechanisms upon failure of the functioning one thereof.

29. A time announcing system comprising, in combination, continuously operating announcing mechanisms; common circuits for connection of any of said mechanisms with telephone circuits; means conditioning one of said mechanisms for normal functioning; means to amplify voice current reproduction from the functioning mechanism; a delayed action switch associated with each of said mechanisms; a transformer responsive to signal currents; means for inhibiting action of said switch by presence of said signal currents in the transformer; means connecting said transformer and the telephone connections in parallel; and means under control of a non-functioning mechanism to shift the circuits of the telephone connection and of the delayed action switch to a second mechanism upon failure of a first mechanism to function.

30. A time announcing system comprising, in combination: a plurality of continuously operating instrumentalities each comprising time announcing means, signal amplifying means, and control switches; telephone circuit connections; supervisory apparatus; relay means controlling the production of signals by said instrumentalities, the impressing of said signals on the telephone connections and connection to said supervisory apparatus; means whereby said apparatus causes actuation of said relay means upon failure of signals.

31. The combination of-claim 30 with manual means to cause actuation of said relay means to bring a diiferent instrumentality into use for servicing of the normally functioning instrumentality.

32. The combination of claim 30 with signal means to indicate actuation of said relay means.

33. The combination of claim 30 with electric signal means to indicate actuation of said relay means and with a step-down transformer to furnish low voltage current supply for said signal means.

34. The combination of claim 30 wherein the announcement signals are produced by light actuated photographic sound records and wherein production of signals is controlled by said relay means by controlling energization of the exciting lamps of the reproducing means.

JOHN L. FRANKLIN. 

